Stick to the facts
Re: "Andaman provinces to ramp up disaster planning", (BP, July 8).
As a Thai, I appreciate seeing officials preparing for tsunamis and earthquakes, especially following recent shocks. However, I believe public education is still behind. Many Thais, particularly those in high-risk locations, lack a clear understanding of how to respond in an emergency. Furthermore, predictions made by fortune tellers, which are common in Thai society, frequently cause public worry despite the absence of a scientific basis.
While spiritual beliefs are part of who we are, disaster preparedness must be based on facts. Authorities must improve not only technological systems but also public understanding through clear, science-based communication.
Pang
Indefensible Israel
Re: "No basis to compare", (PostBag, July 6).
Luckily, I was sitting down when I read Frank Scimone's letter. Otherwise, I would have fallen down! He accuses Hamas of promoting ethnic cleansing when it's Israel that has driven virtually every Palestinian in Gaza out of their homes, as well as tens of thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank, where Hamas is not in power. Even before the Hamas attack of Oct 7, Israel made it clear they were going to spread Jewish settlements throughout the Occupied territories. And more recently, Donald Trump asked the Palestinians to get out of Gaza so he could build a resort there. It has reached the point where you can't defend Israel without sounding utterly preposterous.
Eric Bahrt
Porky problems
Re: "Thai pig farmers raise alarm about possible US imports", (BP, July 8).
The subheading. "Government warned not to use pork market as a bargaining chip to secure tariff reductions," says it all. The pig people are threatening the government before tariff negotiations get underway and claim the US will dump porky products in the precious Thai market and drive local producers out of business.
The absurdity of this claim is rather astounding given the high cost of pork production labour in the US, which averages $15-$20/hour compared to $1-$3/ hour in Thailand.
Highly industrialised and efficient production methods in the US are offset by higher land prices and initial investment costs. Average total production costs in the US range from $1.50-$2.00 per kg of live weight. In Thailand, pork production costs are $1.20–$1.80 per kg of live weight, although oversupply and smuggling consistently depress prices in the marketplace.
Factor in the large differential in tariffs and transportation costs, and US products don't currently offer much competition. The Swine Producers Association of Thailand wants its protected market to stay that way. The same is true of all those active in the protected markets in this country. But competition benefits consumers (ie, the majority versus the few).
Welcome to the real world, Thailand. It is time to level up.
Michael Setter
